With catwalk models averaging size 6-8, as well as new tiny sizing categories in the US such as sizes 00 and 0 (sizes 4 and 6 in Australia), the battle for body image extends across the shopping malls throughout the country.
For example, a 2011 size 0 is equivalent to a 2001 size 2, and is larger than a 1970 size 6 or 1958 size 8. Modern size 0 clothing, depending on brand and style, fits measurements of chest-stomach-hips from 30-22-32 inches (76-56-81 cm) to 33-25-35 inches (84-64-89 cm).
Sizes range from 0-2 (extra small) to 14-16 (extra large). Smaller sizes are usually petites, and larger sizes usually found in women's or plus size departments. Remember that each clothing brand will have their own sizing guidelines, so watch carefully to ensure you are buying the correct size.
Size 0 is great for babies between 6 to 12 months old with 10 kg of weight and 76 cm in height. This size, as the name suggests, is perfect for children around the 1-year-old mark. It's intended for babies up to 18 months, weighing up to 12 kg and measuring 84 cm.
It is a petite size for women with a 32-inch bust, 23-inch waist and 32-inch hips, and is often linked to anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Size zero is referred to the size where the size of the bust is 32 inches, the size of the waist is 24 inches and the size of the hips is 32 inches.
Zero figure is a term that has become increasingly popular in the fashion and entertainment industry in recent years. It refers to a body shape that is extremely slim, with almost no visible body fat or curves.
Size zero is awomans clothing size which is smallest in size. It is equivalent to size 4 in UK, and size 32-34 in Europe. Its specifications are: Bust size: 31.5 inches (80 cms), waist size:23 inches (59 cms), and hip size 32 inches (82 cms).
Achieving this size is extremely difficult and it requires unrealistic workout regimes and diets. Is size zero healthy? Well, aiming for size zero is far from healthy since it will cause issues related to being underweight and strip the body of the energy it needs to function.
As an average, a Medium is likely to be a around a size 12. Generally a Small will be an AU 8-10 and a Large an AU 14-16. An Extra Small is likely to be a size 6, with an Extra Large likely to be a size 18.
A study by a foreign university revealed that people who go to great lengths to become "size zero" could end up with long term health issues, such as osteoporosis. The study, conducted on 4,000 young women, revealed that fat mass is vital for building bones.
Even Vogue editor Edward Enninful has spoken out about super-thin catwalk models, while celebrities are skinnier than ever thanks to new weight-loss jabs. Whatever happened to 'healthy at any size' and 'fit not thin'? Be afraid: size zero is back.
When you see a size 24 in jeans, this is referring to your waist size in inches. So a 24 is equivalent to a size 0.
The measurements for the UK sizes are listed here in inches: US 0 - either UK 4 (not available) or UK 6 (Waist 24"/25" and Bust 31"/32")